Tips For Incoming Freshmen

Written by Lenna Ahmed

Edited by Krithika Rajesh & Kaylee Kim

Disclaimer: This guide is one of the many out there for incoming high-school freshmen like you! Please do not feel like you are obligated to follow each and every tip here to the T! You are free to take and follow what you want from this guide as every person is different and has a different approach to every-day life tasks!

1. Find Yourself, Get Involved!

Freshman year is THE year to find out what works best for you. Do not fret, though! You are in no-rush;high-school is a long, mysterious process. Take the time to figure out what interests you, and join those clubs and organizations.

During this time, you should consider what path you want to take during your high-school years. Will you be taking classes that revolve around the arts or humanities? Will you be taking STEM-related classes? Perhaps you want to explore by taking various unrelated classes, and that is totally fine too. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can find opportunities here.

2. Manage Your Time!

Without a clear goal or vision, it may be hard to know where you should allocate your time. Managing your time wisely is the biggest favor you can do for yourself in high school and life!

“Discipline is just empathy for your future self.”

By managing your time wisely, you allow yourself to tackle your tasks promptly. Prioritizing your work and activities will shape you into an efficient and successful individual in situations outside of school as well. Lastly, tackling your homework, study sessions, and other responsibilities as soon as you get them gifts you the time to relax and have worry-free fun!

3. Ask Questions!

Remember, if you don’t ask, the answer is always no!

Ask for help, advice, extensions if needed, or whatever you can! Asking questions is a bridge to opportunities and success. If turning to your friends is your first instinct, then go ahead and ask them any questions you have. If your friends fail to produce viable answers, then, by all means, reach out to teachers or counselors. Get to know your upperclassmen and ask them for advice on navigating your high school as well.

4. Socialize

If you are an introvert like I was, you can always get to know your classmates through your friends. Establishing good relations with fellow students comes with various benefits. If you are looking to become class president, for example, students are bound to elect someone they know and like.

Networking and maintaining relations with your peers gives you access to valuable resources that boost your knowledge, productivity, and your college resume as well. By talking to my friends, I was able to find many prestigious programs that were unheard of in my community. Moreover, friends bring positivity to your life. They are always happy to help you with your mental health.

5. Do your homework!

For some, this may be obvious, but many fail to realize the importance of the task. Copious amounts of scientific research demonstrate a direct link between homework and knowledge retention and understanding. By consistently doing your homework, learning, and remembering additional material will come naturally.

6. Prepare Early and Challenge Yourself

Let’s say you’re a go-getter with your top universities already picked, and your path already set. In this case, get to work! Start preparing for crucial tests like the SAT and ACT, or sign up for competitions! Take AP courses and enroll in workshops outside of school as well. Challenge yourself to the best of your abilities to see your true colors shine. Getting out of your comfort zone teaches you more about yourself and your strengths.

7. Take It Seriously

Do not slack off! Freshman year does count. Try your best to do your best. High school, including Freshman year, is not just a time for parties but also character and personality building. Therefore, it is important to start setting goals early and taking classes seriously.

8. Practice Makes Perfect

Life is a trial-and-error process-- mistakes do happen. Do not beat yourself up for mistakes you make, but rather, learn from them, as it is one of the best things you can do. Understanding why you’ve made a mistake can significantly help your decision-making and problem-solving skills!

Good luck to all incoming freshmen reading this, I hope you found this helpful! Remember to stay focused and believe in yourself-- you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

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Lenna Ahmed is a high school senior interested in Economics, Marketing, & Graphic Design. After being an international high school student in the Middle East unable to find opportunities, she was ecstatic to join SO. By being a writer at SO, she hopes to ease the stress and uncertainty that comes with being a student preparing for college and the real world.